Why Representation Matters in Dementia Care

When Taylor MacInnis started work at Harbourstone Enhanced Care in Sydney, he didn’t see a lot of representation in long-term care. Thirteen years later, he says that is slowly changing as more African Nova Scotians enter the healthcare workforce. It’s a pattern MacInnis hopes will continue, strengthening culturally responsive care for elders as it grows.

MacInnis knows that his lived experience as an African Nova Scotian informs how he approaches dementia care and believes that increasing representation is critical not only for staff, but for residents and families, as well.

“When residents see themselves reflected in care providers, it can foster a greater sense of belonging and understanding,” he said. “It can also help staff better understand cultural traditions, communication styles, and family dynamics that shape how care is received.”

MacInnis has seen how powerful education can be in breaking down stigma and improving support for individuals affected by dementia. Dementia has touched his own family and community, and he has often found himself explaining to his family and friends what the disease is and how it uniquely impacts African Nova Scotians.

“Learning about dementia and helping educate your community about it is very important,” MacInnis shares. “My family began to better understand what some of the people in their lives might be experiencing, and that understanding is really necessary”

For MacInnis, his work as a recreation programmer at Harbourstone is deeply personal and rewarding.

“When I leave at the end of the day, as long as somebody gets something out of what I do, I am very appreciative,” he says. “I feel like I accomplished something every day when I leave that job.”

In long-term care, where some residents have few visitors, staff often become like an extended family. For African Nova Scotian residents living with dementia, that sense of connection can be especially meaningful. Seeing a familiar face, hearing shared cultural references or listening to music that reflects their community can spark recognition and comfort in ways that go beyond words.

This February marks African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia – a time to celebrate the resiliency and contributions of African Nova Scotians, while also reflecting on the realities many families continue to navigate, including the impacts of dementia.

For African Nova Scotians living with dementia and for those who care for them, the dementia journey is often shaped not only by the disease itself but by culture, history, and experiences within the healthcare system.

This month, we encourage communities to continue those conversations – fostering understanding, challenging stigma, and ensuring that dementia care is inclusive, culturally responsive, and representative of all the diverse communities it serves.

To learn more about African Nova Scotians and dementia, you can find a webpage of information and resources at alzheimer.ca/ns/ans, as well as a video series on dementia in the Black community at alzheimer.ca/blackcommunity.

If you need additional support or would like to access programming in your community or online, you can call our Dementia Helpline at 1-800-611-6345 to speak to one of our knowledgeable and caring staff.